Gaelen Morse: USA TODAY Sports
When it comes to blueline trade candidates, Vladislav Gavrikov hasn’t received as much attention as the Arizona Coyotes’ Jakob Chychrun or the Anaheim Ducks’ John Klingberg. However, the 27-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman’s profile could rise in the weeks leading up to the March 3 trade deadline.
In recent weeks, Gavrikov has garnered more attention in the rumor mill. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli had the Jackets blueliner at No. 8 on his November listing of NHL trade targets. He sat 10th on The Athletic’s initial listing of this season’s top 25 trade targets.
Eligible for unrestricted free agent status on July 1, Gavirikov is completing a three-year contract with an average annual value of $2.8 million. A solid two-way blueliner, the 6-foot-1, 213-pound Russian is in line for a substantial pay raise.
The Columbus Dispatch‘s Brian Hedger wonders whether the Blue Jackets will trade or re-sign Gavrikov before deadline day. He reports that contract talks have been at a standstill since the summer.
Hedger suggested Gavrikov could fetch a return that includes a first-rounder. He pointed out that Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen received first-round picks when he shopped Nick Foligno and David Savard at the 2021 NHL trade deadline.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers could be among the potential suitors.
Sportsnet’s Luke Fox included Gavrikov among his list of blueline trade options for the Maple Leafs. The Jackets and Leafs were part of the three-team deal in 2021 that brought Foligno to Toronto. Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman indicated the Oilers are interested in the Jackets’ defenseman.
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